University of Texas at Austin in 1990 until 1996, where he served as dean of the College of Fine Arts and professor of theatre. In 1996, he moved to Iowa City, Iowa, to become provost of The University of Iowa and professor of theatre until 2003. In 2003, Whitmore was selected to be president of Texas Tech University, serving five years, where he also held a professorship in theatre. In 2008, Whitmore was named president of San José State University. Two years later, Whitmore became chief executive officer of ACT, returning to Iowa City. Across its programs, ACT provides more than 100 assessment, research, information, and program management services to enhance education and workforce development. Personal life Whitmore met his wife, Jennifer, at West Virginia University. They have been married 28 years and have two children, Ian and Amy. Both of the Whitmore children are graduates of The University of Iowa. Books authored and edited William Saroyan: A Research and Production Sourcebook (Greenwood Press, 1994). Directing Postmodern Theater: Shaping Signification in Performance (University of Michigan Press, 1994). Editor, Directory of Theatre Programs, 1991 (Association for Communication, 1991). Co-editor, A Handbook for Theatre Department Chairs (1988; Association for Communication, 2001). Quotes "If you can get [children] from a family that's never had the opportunity to go to college and have them not just go but graduate, it transforms their life and trickles back to the whole family." "We need to remind everyone that the invaluable public good we contribute is turning out a better-trained workforce and more civically engaged community members." "Leadership really means figuring out what the university can be the best at and then focusing on those things. It also means motivating people to rally around issues and then moving those issues forward." References External links ACT biography 1945 births Washington State University alumni University of California, Santa Barbara alumni Living people Presidents of San Jose State University American nonprofit chief executives University at Buffalo faculty